Preparing seams and panels for respraying?

[MOLLYTHEVIKING]

Hi Guys,

I have had a quick search for answers but hoping someone can help with some specific questions that I have regarding my camper. I've attached some photos of the repair work so far, and the seam to the left that had previously been filled which we have now opened up again.
What would be great to know is what will be the best seam sealer to buy to treat the seam prior to spraying. Also the welding is being ground off today so is it best that i just prime over everything prior to driving it to the bodyshop. That being the case does the seam sealer go on the bare metal first?

I also plan on applying seam sealer to the interior panels as well as CT1 which i guess is similar to tigerseal.
I am then going to hand roller the interior with colour matched Rustoleum paint before starting to re-fit the floor and interior.....

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated

[MOLLYTHEVIKING]

Also guys, the seams are very deep in places, does the seam sealer draw into the seams or will they need anything in them prior to painting? Also do I need to use zinc primer for now for protection?

[what2do]

Bump. An essential piece of info that many of us would appreciate.

[faggie]

the picture of the above seam needs sandblasting as or it will re appear in no time at all

[what2do]

And after that? Vactan, zinc primer, other?

[steveo3002]

epoxy primer is the best ..something like jotun jotamastic

once its primed , use a caulking gun to force the pu sealer into the gap then wipe in with a wet finger , or filler card etc

[what2do]

Much appreciated for that. Feel wiser and more confident now. Cheers, sorry for hijacking your post OP.

[MOLLYTHEVIKING]

No worries what2d. Thanks for the responses guys. Although it doesn't look it in the photo the seam is bare metal and clear of rust. So i was going to vactan just to be 100%. Then the primer, Then apply a seam sealer, so i guess its just a case of getting it in as far as possible as you say, so that it is sealed but also still looks like a seam! Is there a specific seam sealer that is best to use? and is it better from a gun rather than brush applied. One other thing...Does a product like CT1 act the same as a seam sealer?

Thanks guys

[steveo3002]

id skip the vactan if its rust free ...that way you get the best chance of the epoxy primer doing its job and sticking 100%

sealer- i would use a gun with tiger seal , lots of others that work fine too , just make sure it says paintable pu sealer

[steveo3002]

btw...welding looks like a very nice job

[MOLLYTHEVIKING]

Thanks Dude. It was a guy at my work, he's very neat. Looks better now he's had the grinder on it
I'll post up the results once its sprayed

[faggie]

in the picture it looks like it is dark in colour in the seam I would still sandblast the seam till it is all one colour like where you have wire brushed the panel